#glorfinhel

32. I think I’m in love with you and I’m terrified.

Their plans were made, and that was that, then. Curvo swilled his drink around in its bottle. It was half full, the drink strong enough that the smell rising up burned his nostrils, but then again, that was the point. He took a swig, wiping his mouth with a hiss afterwards. 

Next to him, Tyelkormo stared into his own bottle, which was empty. He leaned over, his weight heavy against Curvo’s shoulder, heavy and stabilizing. Then he stole Curvo’s drink and downed it. Curvo didn’t have it in him to complain, especially when Tyelko handed it back with still a few gulps left. 

They sat in silence for a few more minutes, watching their fire flicker lower and lower. It was dark, though not as dark as it had once been; Tilion was high in the sky. Behind him and his charge, the stars twinkled softly. 

Curvo finished the bottle, throwing the flask next to the fire. 

Tyelko moved next to him, shifting around until he could bury his nose into the crook of Curvo’s neck. He inhaled, growling lowly enough that Curvo could feel the vibrations of Tyelko’s chest running up through his arm.

“Tyelko. Elvish,” Curvo said, nonetheless turning his head to lean against Tyelko’s. 

“Mrrh.”

Curvo didn’t reply, knowing from experience it was easiest simply to wait until Tyelko returned to a language he could understand. He did wish he had more liquor, though; he didn’t feel nearly drunk enough to be deal with… everything. Tyelko’s warmth penetrated even through the layers of clothing they both wore, relaxing Curvo while at the same time making his heart beat ever-so-slightly faster. 

Tyelko murmured again.

“Hm?”

Tyelko removed his nose from Curvo’s neck, his eyes averted. “I said,” he pronounced, words only slightly slurred, “I’m in love with you.”

Well. 

Curvo’s heart was definitely beating faster, now. He exhaled slowly, deciding he was overthinking and misinterpreting. “I love you too,” he replied, voice even. Tyelko rapidly shook his head, another growl escaping. 

“Not love. In love. I think I’m in love with you, and I’m terrified.” 

Curvo turned to look into Tyelkormo’s eyes. They were surprisingly clear for the amount he’d imbibed. And, more than that, they were completely honest. And scared. 

Curvo reached out and placed a hand on Tyelko’s cheek, a gesture they’d often shared over the years. 

“Me, too,” he whispered. “Me, too, for the longest time.”